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3D printing store london


New 3D Printing shop lands in the heart of London | by Jen Botezat | The Nozzle

3D printing moves ever closer to the public this week as leading 3D printer distributor iMakr opens its new shop in the heart of London’s busiest shopping destination Oxford Circus.

New iMakr store in London’s busy Oxford Circus

At the grand opening, we discovered the latest 3D printing and scanning machines and spoke to the team’s experts. Let’s go on a journey through the store, spread across two levels, and see what it has to offer eager visitors.

I have to admit, we were most excited to get a complimentary miniature of ourselves! And this was made possible with a full-body “Mini-You” scanning rig at iMakr, which looks like a rather large egg.

The Mini-You scanner/spaceship lands at iMakr

The “scanner” snaps consecutive photos with at least 10 high-resolution cameras while you spin around — absolutely still! — on a turntable, like a giant cake-topper.

Just getting myself 3D printed

The software then patches together all the photos, taken from all angles, and reconstructs your body in the digital world as a portable file. We ended up with a digital bust of ourselves that we can later 3D print in full-colour SLS (not cheap!).

SLS Mini-You result (not me!)

SLA 3D printing uses curable resins as the base material and satisfies those crafters who require minute details printed to perfection (that’s right, even jewellers).

Although the most high-end machines have traditionally been reserved for industry players, iMakr now offers consumers the EnvisionTEC Ultra 3SP, an SLA machine that prints with amazing quality.

E-glass — perhaps the most impressive 3D material

Just take a look at the crystal-clear droplet, 3D-printed with EnvisionTEC’s E-Glass material. We were stunned by its see-through clarity, used for simulating clear plastics and glass. It has the strength and stability to be used for both prototypes and end-use products.

The first metal 3D printer offered by iMakr was no less impressive. The ORLAS Creator prints high-detailed parts in stainless steel, tool steel, cobalt, chrome, aluminium, nickel based alloys, titanium, and precious metals. Beware, it will take up at least two cubic meters of space despite a build surface of 100 mm x 110 mm.

Rook 3D-printed in metal on the ORLAS Creator

Having this giant at iMakr goes a long way in showing that metal 3D printing is more accessible to consumers than ever before.

We were pleasantly surprised to see a desktop SLS machine. The strikingly red Sinterit Lisa does a fantastic job 3D printing in powder, as you can see in the image below, the two parts printed in one go. Although the maximum volume is 110 x 150 x 130 mm, the machine achieves an incredible level of detail.

The Sinterit Lisa outdid itself with this surprise egg 3D-printed in one piece

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) material is well-known in engineering thanks to its excellent mechanical and chemical resistance properties, even at high temperatures and pressures. Now, iMakr offers two machines that can 3D print with PEEK filament: Intamsys Funmat HT and Apium P155.

PEEK-printing workhorses

Although PEEK filament is ideal for specialized science and medical applications, it does come with a hefty price tag of around £600 per kilo, so it’s best reserved for groundbreaking 3D prints worthy of it.

You wouldn’t expect a weathered marble statue on the shop floor of a 3D-printing shop, but this masterpiece was in fact printed with standard PLA.

That’s standard PLA for you

But how? Apparently, the art is in the finish. It took multiple layers of filler, primer, and painting, and a week of effort to achieve this effect, explains iMakr finishing artist Allie. With a degree in fine art, Allie now works exclusively on finishing 3D prints to the desired visual effect.

iMakr stocks some really high-spec scanners, and we have a go at scanning a disturbing head. The handheld scanner flashes a bright light as we move it around the head, and it recreates the digital image in real time through the software.

Scanning this cutie

Buying your own scanner is a large investment and only useful if you are planning to scan loads of objects, explains iMakr Research Director Guillaume. “It’s more cost-effective to use the scanning service we provide if you only have a few objects to scan,” he said.

Looking around the store, we immediately notice the lit up gummy bear. He is as tall as the fireplace, and he looks plump and colourful. How was he made?

Can I take him with me?!

A huge Delta printer is responsible. It’s so huge in fact, that there’s no use feeding it regular filament. The spools are too small! Instead, it gulps up plastic pellets which melt at the nozzle and ooze out in thick layers. Adding dye to the pellets at random intervals gave the teddy its striated colour. Sit on the chairs at iMakr, and you’ll notice that they are made similarly, on the Delta.

It’s big enough

We meet iMakr Head Designer James who tells us about his process for working with customers to create custom models.

Grr!

“Sometimes customers know exactly what they want, and I will design the model according to those specifications,” James said. “But often, the customers only have a sketch or an idea in their head, so I help interpret their concept and come up with their unique design. ”

James shows us the organic shapes he makes, such as his bracelet, using Zbrush for the sculpting element. The jewellery pieces on the table in front of us are really impressive, and James explains how SLA prints can be used as a mold and the final piece cast in silver, as in the case of the ring.

Silver-cast ring from a resin mold printed via SLA

We were so immersed in the tech and our chats that we didn’t notice the time. Apparently, a good three hours had passed, and we were nearing the end-of-night toast.

iMakr Founder Sylvain Preumont and CEO Eric Savant spoke about the history and importance of iMakr. The company has been in the industry for 5 years, and iMakr are now the world’s largest independent 3D printing store.

Their first store opened on Clerkenwell Road in London in 2013, with a second one opening in Manhattan the next year.

The company is moving from Clerkenwell to Oxford Circus, which they expect will be more convenient for tourists and shoppers, and also close to many design studios.

Preumont unveiled plans to open another store in Paris and support a franchise model, that will allow further iMakr stores to pop up around the world.

You can find the new iMakr shop here: 17 Wells Street, W1T 3PF

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3DPrintshow exhibition in London / Habr

In my first publication on Habré, I decided to tell in detail about what is happening in the world of 3D printing business. And the best reason for that is the 3DPrintshow in London this weekend, in fact the biggest event in our industry focused on the consumer side of the 3D printing business.

Let me introduce myself: my name is Konstantin, I am the co-founder and CEO of 3DPrintus. My interest in the exhibition is due to the fact that in the Russian market we are developing B2B and B2C directions for the provision of industrial 3D printing services, as well as a product marketplace and a community of designers. nine0004

Likbez

To begin with, when developing business in Russia, you always have to look to Europe and the USA, because our partners there are a few steps ahead of us and our task now is to accelerate the development of 3D printing in Russia and the CIS. Therefore, the efforts of each new company in our market is a big plus for the industry as a whole.

So, the most important thing you should know about the development of 3D printing in the world:
1. A 3D printer for every home.

The technology has been around for over 30 years. The hysteria in the media about the “third industrial revolution” and the thesis that “now it will be possible to print iPhones and TVs at home” are somewhat premature, to say the least.

2. Market

It is necessary to separate the market and business for the production of 3D printers from the market for the provision of 3D printing services. The volumes of the markets are completely different, as are the companies on them.

3. Technology

It is important to consider separately the market and technologies of "home" 3D printing and industrial. Industrial appeared much earlier and includes such technologies as SLA, SLS, MJM, PolyJet, 3DP, SLM, FDM. The main technology for home 3D printing is FDM. Also, printers based on SLA and SLS technologies entered the market of “home” devices, which gives a certain qualitative leap forward. nine0004

4. Restrictions

Initially and until now, 3D printing is about the production of a limited number of products, goods, prototypes, etc. Technology certainly will not make the cost of producing a unit of a product cheaper than in mass production. But technology makes it very cheap to start production of any product, when you either a) make the first prototypes, b) test the demand in the market.

5. Application

  • Prototyping
  • Small batch production
  • Prototyping
  • Architectural prototyping
  • Jewelery
  • Medical implants and prostheses
  • Robotics
  • Hardware startups
  • Individual decor, accessories, jewelry, art, fashion
  • DIY
6. Stage of development

If we objectively look at the current stage of development of the market and technologies, then I will draw the following conclusion:
At the moment, 3D printing is used as an effective means of prototyping and small-scale production. Also, technology is increasingly being used to solve business problems from various fields. The enterprise market welcomes technology and uses it in its work. nine0004

Undoubtedly, technologies are beginning to influence medicine in the most positive way, they are used in surgical operations.

And finally, technology is reaching our homes and hands: designers around the world are using 3D printing technologies to make various final products, from plastics and metals. And in this area, in the near future, the business of such items made of steel and precious metals will most actively develop, since they are the most understandable for consumers. nine0004

However, this market will take more than one year to become massively demanded by consumers around the world.

The result for today is:

80% of applications are prototypes, small series, prototypes, medical prostheses and implants, architectural models and jewelry, 20% are consumer goods.

Exhibition

Let's go back to the exhibition. The 3DPrintshow event itself is not taking place for the first time. Last year, in the same London, where the development of 3D printing is progressing by leaps and bounds, I was also at the show, the report can be read here. nine0004

3DPrintshow goes on for three days, each of which has its own theme. This year the themes of the days were as follows:

  • Business Day
  • Design Day
  • Public Day

The days differ in the composition of the lectures, which take place on 4 stages in parallel, all days. All lectures are led by designers, business owners, 3D printing evangelists, community managers and other interesting people. Each lecture lasts about half an hour + half an hour for questions from the audience. In 3 days there is every chance to get a good injection of useful information and insights. nine0004

The exposition itself this year consisted of the most interesting and promising companies in Europe and the USA and was conditionally divided into two parts - printer manufacturers and services/startups providing services. Very convenient to navigate inside.

Also this year there was a private balcony, which housed art objects and clothes created by designers using all available 3D printing technologies. In fact, it is a reflection of the level of technology development. Yes, it should be noted that almost each of them has a very high cost. nine0004


Full -color printing from a gypsopolymer
3


Strong and flexible plastic (polyamide) with painting


detailed plastic (photopolymer)


9022 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 Detailed translucent plastic (photopolymer)


PLA


PLA


Strong and flexible plastic (polyamide)


detailed plastic (photopolymer) with painting


PLA-plate


PLA-plate 9000 what is called on the sidelines and in close communication with participants and business owners. This is the only way to get truly objective information about the market situation and prospects, to exchange experiences and opinions. nine0004

A pleasant bonus for me was that I already knew most of these people through joint projects or at past exhibitions in London and New York, so it was not difficult to get the most interesting information. I will share only the most interesting facts and forecasts.

Presumably, the most interesting event on the market was to be the launch of a new platform from the well-known and "favorite" company Autodesk.

For most non-professional users, the company has had good online 3D modeling products for several years now, such as 123Design, 123Catch, 123Sculpt, Tinkercad, etc. nine0004

However, the company decided to go further and launch its own open source platform and printer - Spark, which will have to open up a whole new market for apps, applications and addons for all enthusiasts and third-party developers.

The company announced this wonderful event a few months ago, but unfortunately, at the exhibition and during the lecture, they gave a minimum of information about the new project. They promised that in a couple of months this big event would still happen and the community of users of Autodesk systems would be able to start using its new brainchild. nine0004

Continuing the topic of software development in the field of 3D printing, I would like to note a wonderful company, our partner, Uformia and their product Uformit.

Colleagues, having gone through many years of development in the field of modeling and mathematical calculations, have created a product based on the principles of parametric design that allows you to set customization parameters for any three-dimensional objects created by designers. Their development is the Symvol plugin for Rhino.

At the same time, for end users and buyers, everything looks like an uncomplicated interface for ordering a personalized pendant, ring, mask and more from precious metals and high-quality plastics.

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that Uformit is doing an excellent job in the medical field. With the help of their software and 3D scanning, a medical corset was created, fitted and personalized for a specific patient.

I can't ignore the actively developing project Formlabs - a manufacturer of professional "home" printers based on SLA technology.

An excellent and affordable printer for designers who need the fastest yet accurate tool to test their ideas in practice.

The British company Digital Forming has focused its efforts on the development of an online system for designers, which makes it possible to make any model customizable. All the same basics, parametric design. nine0004

The next entrant is 3DPrintUK, a design and manufacturing company with the only SLS technology available to them.

I must say that the guys make very high-quality projects in terms of industrial design!

In addition to the external beauty of this solution, you can also notice an interesting engineering solution - a lightweight design. This is the design of the future!

Consumer market

Now let's move on to the story of the companies closest to me in the field of business - 3Dhubs, Shapeways, Sculpteo and i. Materialise. It is they who, in many ways, are the driving force behind the development of the consumer sphere of 3D printing in the world!

Developing our company in Russia, we communicate a lot with Western colleagues and exchange information about prospects and new opportunities.

The motto of the guys from 3Dhubs is local 3d printing. To date, they have created, perhaps, the widest and most accessible network of 3D printer owners in almost every city in the world. Through their website, anyone with a 3D model can have it printed directly from the owner of the printer, who may be in the house next door. And get it from him. nine0004

Very convenient and most importantly not expensive. 3Dhubs only charge 20% per transaction between the customer and the owner of the printer.

By the way, I must say that 95% of network printers are home, hence the significant limitation on the quality and quantity of manufactured products.

In addition, just a week ago, the company received a new round of investments in the amount of $4. 5 million to develop and expand the network. Serious funds and great prospects that investors see!

The Belgian company Materialise has long been known on the market. For most of its history, the company has been selling industrial printers and providing printing services to the aviation, automotive, military and medical industries.

However, an equally important direction for the company is the development of the i.Materialise project - a 3D printing service and a goods marketplace. The company allows designers to create their own stores and publish products for sale in them.

I note that i.materialise closely monitors the quality of published products and tries to weed out what, in their opinion, it will not be possible to sell. Although this is not officially regulated, but by the number of goods and communication with designers, such a conclusion can be drawn. nine0004

For the company, the main market and income is 3D printing services for large business customers and the sale of printers.

The French startup Sculpteo is positioning itself as a cloud-based 3D printing system. And not easy. The company has developed a very powerful tool for working with 3D models online.

In fact, professional designers and engineers can easily prepare any 3D model right in their personal account on the website, without using desktop software: making the model hollow inside, checking the thickness of all walls, placing their entire order in the printer chamber and running it in work. nine0004

The team spent 4 years to reach the current level of their IT product. Now they are launching a second production near Paris, where about 15 industrial printers will be located.

Investors are looking very promisingly at the development trend of digital cloud production, providing access to the capacities of industrial 3D printers (read mini-factory) and investing in creating the infrastructure of the future.

And, finally, the favorites of the American (and not only) press - Shapeways startup. nine0004

Shapeways is first and foremost the largest marketplace for products created by an army of designers (about 30,000) of the community.

The main positioning of the company is to create a community and marketplace for entrepreneurial designers, with their own design stores and products. Mix of Etsy and Amazon. The company has been around for 7 years and has raised about $40+ million in investments. Two offices and production facilities in NY and the Netherlands.

More recently, the press was blown up by the information that Shapeways, together with the well-known toy manufacturer Hasbro, launched a project where every designer can create their own version of characters from the Ponyes series, publish it as part of a competition. Later, the company chose the winners, whose works went to mass production. And all the rest are available for order on the Shapeways website. nine0004

Thus, Hasbro was one of the first companies to open (with certain restrictions, of course) the ability to reproduce characters without violating intellectual property. The project was very successful and now, Shapeways is launching a number of characters on similar topics.

This is a very important wake up call for the entire industry. The same revolution was made by Apple with the iTunes store.

Totals

Summing up the results of the exhibition, I would like to send a message to all those who are currently looking for a new sphere of application of their knowledge and skills: whether it be entrepreneurial or professional.

3D printing and the eco-system that is now being created around it is a huge yet unfilled niche for hundreds and thousands of projects. It will take more than one year until the technology is popularized among end customers, but for business it is already a reality and today.

The intersection of additive manufacturing and internet services creates what I think is an incredible mix that I call Digital Manufacturing . And this trend will continue to gain momentum in the coming years.

Bonus:
For all those who want to take an express tour of the entire exhibition - first-person video.

3D-pure chocolate figures from IMAKR & ROCOCO at the Harvey Nichols

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IMAKR installed the KOKOCO Chocolate mini-yous "on the fifth sales" Nichols in London's Knightsbridge for 5 weeks from 17 March 2014 to 22 April 2014. nine0004


Anyone who wants to taste a miniature self made of milk or dark chocolate can drop by the iMakr 3D scanning booth in between times or reserve 5 minutes of scanning in advance at a convenient time for you. For the next month, Harvey Nichols will be running a campaign to create 3D chocolate "me"s as a Mother's Day gift.

The process of scanning is to create countless photographs of you from every possible angle. More than 40 professional digital cameras are installed on the walls, which take pictures simultaneously and at high resolution. All received photos will then be uploaded to create your 3D model on a computer. nine0004

3D scan and 3D model of the girl in the booth "Rococo Chocolate Mini You"

Then, your 3D model will be sent back to iMakr, where the 3D printer will make a plastic "Mini You" figurine. Once completed, the plastic figurine will be shipped to Rococo's South London headquarters. This is where your figure will be molded in food safe silicone, then filled with melted Rococo Chocolates dark or milk chocolate and then chilled. Finished Chocolate Mini You figurines will be delivered to the customer's address or can be picked up from the fifth floor of the Knightsbridge Supermarket or iMakr, Clerkenwell, 10 days after scan day. nine0004

Chocolate bust in Rococo branded box

For £99 you can order six miniature busts made of hard chocolate. For £169 you can order 12 busts plus £10 for packaging and shipping. The photographs below show sample busts.


Dailymail journalist Annabelle Cole visited the scanning booth last week and was asked to order a six-inch life-size figure of herself, a chocolate Oscar of sorts.

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